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But regular pay growth also slowed, to 0.9 per cent from 1.3 per cent.

Unemployment fell by 161,000 to 2.16 million, with the jobless rate dropping to 6.6 per cent.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said: "This coalition government is strengthening the foundations on which our economy is built, creating the conditions for greater confidence, more jobs and further growth."

And Danny Alexander, Chief Secretary to the Treasury, said: "There can be no doubt that thanks to the hard work of millions of people and businesses across the country, supported by a Government that has made and stuck to the right decisions, Britain is bouncing back."

The Department for Work and Pensions said the figures meant the number of private sector workers was up by more than two million since 2010.

Employment minister Esther McVey said: "As we build a stronger economy, businesses up and down the country are feeling increasingly confident about creating jobs, meaning many thousands more people are in work every day - ensuring a better future for them, their families, and for the country as a whole."